My first friend

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 Church has always been a large part of my life and community. But for the first time, I'm a 100% stranger in church. And people are friendly- there are the nods and smiles. It definitely doesn't help that I arrive early and slip into a corner seat that doesn't invite conversation. But that is my social anxiety for now, so I'm giving myself grace. 

This morning, though, I prayed specifically for a conversation friend. Someone to talk to pre-service, and not sit awkwardly there watching everyone around me interact. I've been in a ton of back pain the last several days, so it took a herculean effort just to shower and change today. I was just about to skip any make-up, when the Lord reminded me that I had asked to meet someone, and so I'd better take the effort to look nice to meet this person. And so on went a bit of makeup! 

I've been going to the 930 service, and today went to the 11AM instead. I made my way silently through the lobby bustling with children and coffee drinkers, and found my typical isolated seat. A few minutes later, a middle-aged lady asked if I was by myself, and joined me. It was her first Sunday, but she had been part of the women's mid-week Bible study group. She was very friendly, and we had a nice conversation pre-service. At the end, as we were parting ways, she offered me a ride home! I declined, as I had spotted a bakery and wanted to grab something (new post incoming!!!), but it turns out her car was parked near there. So we ended up in the bakery line together, made our purchases, and prepared to part ways. She gave me a hug, and I told her how she was the answer to my specific prayer this morning. We exchanged phone numbers, and another hug before separating. 

This has been a really heavy weekend, but grateful for the Lord's goodness to start this new week. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 23, 2024 at 12:51 AM

    All Nations Church is a good church. Our friends are planning to return for a special anniversary of the church.

    ReplyDelete

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